The New York Giants are going to have a very busy offseason, and I will surely be here to guide you through it, so first things first, here’s what I think regarding the Giants’ impending free agents.
DL Leonard Williams
Leonard Williams will be a top priority this offseason, and rightfully so. After a disappointing showing on the dark side of New York, Williams was traded to the Giants for two draft picks, a move that was highly criticized by Giants media and fans. Upon arriving at Big Blue, Williams was solid, but still lacked the sacks, his biggest flaw. Well, Williams squashed that flaw to say the least. The 27-year old burst onto the scene this year with 11.5 sacks, 3 of which came in the crucial season finale against the Dallas Cowboys. Williams proved to be prolific against the run and pass, which should push his contract upwards of $17M per year.
Result: Keep.
OLB Kyler Fackrell
Kyler Fackrell, signed to a one-year ‘prove-it’ contract, seemed to be back to his old days of 10.5 sacks. Well, that was short-lived. Towards the middle of the season, Fackrell seemed to have hit a wall he could not seem to get around it. Also, factor in that he did make his trip to the IR this season, so he also missed some time. With a plethora of young rushers returning to the lineup next season, it’s just not worth it. There’s also possibly a Greg Rousseau or Shaq Barrett, or any other premier rusher that the Giants could be eyeing.
Result: Walk.
S Nate Ebner
It’s no secret that the sole reason Nate Ebner is in blue is because of his connections with rising Head Coach Joe Judge, and that really won’t cut it with a team exploding with youth and potential. The 32-year old is a liability in coverage, and while he brings value to special teams, there is more reason to bring in a younger special teams maestro who could possibly step in on defense/offense, than to bring back an aging Ebner.
Result: Walk.
OT Cameron Fleming
Cameron Fleming is a swing tackle. He is not supposed to be playing 16 games at right tackle in a crucial second year for QB Daniel Jones. Allowing the sixth-most sacks of any tackle, Fleming needs to go. The Giants will likely explore the tackle market in both free agency and the draft, and keep focusing on grooming OT Matt Peart to become a starter.
Result: Walk.
QB Colt McCoy
Colt McCoy was a good mentor for Jones due to his experience in the NFL, but Jones has now gotten hurt twice now. That does not mean we need to go out and get a Marcus Mariota or Andy Dalton, it just means the Giants could be better off with a QB who is more reliable, has more upside, and is on the younger side of the spectrum.
Result: Walk.
DT Austin Johnson
Now, Dalvin Tomlinson and Leonard Williams are also free agents, so Johnson might have his fate decided by those two players. I personally would not mind for Johnson to stick around. He is inexpensive, on the younger side, and a solid rotational piece on the line. Like many other impending free agents, though, the cap situation and other impending free agents will likely determine whether Johnson is kept or left.
Result: Keep.
RB Dion Lewis
Dion Lewis, signed to be a change-of-pace back behind superstar Saquon Barkley, turned into an average kickoff returner and third-down back. With the emergence of Wayne Gallman, and Saquon back next year, I personally don’t see the Giants having any interest in bringing back Lewis, especially after a couple of fumbles in the return game. Lewis also only totaled 115 yards on the ground, along with only generating 22.4 yards on 24 take-backs.
Result: Walk.
DT Dalvin Tomlinson
- Dalvin Tomlinson, former second-round pick, has always been a disruption in both the pass and the run, more in the run though. This season he totaled 3.5 sacks, and 49 tackles. Tomlinson is well-respected in the locker room and a strong leader. Tomlinson is another player depending on the cap, as I assume Leonard Williams will be before him on the pecking order of signees.
Result: Keep.
RB Alfred Morris
Like most Giants fans, I was one who was frustrated when we saw Morris’ 1-5 yard runs in place of Wayne Gallman‘s 5-8. The 32-year old really would not bring value to the Giants squad, especially if Gallman returns. Morris finished with 238 yards on 55 attempts. Just another player not worth keeping.
Result: Walk.
EDGE Jabaal Sheard
While one of the main focuses of New York this season will be to garner more of a pass-rush, Jabaal Sheard is not the answer. The 10-year vet off of the Jags’ practice squad put up 1.5 sacks in nine games. The Giants will need to add a more youthful rusher with more upside and production.
Result: Walk.
LS Casey Kreiter
Most fans do not know who Kreiter is, which is a good thing. He’s done what he’s supposed to do, no need to change that.
Result: Keep.
FS Adrian Colbert
Adrian Colbert did not play much after returning from a Week 15 shoulder injury, but was a solid special teams contributor. Unlike Ebner, Colbert is young at 27 years old, and may not have the upside, but has a couple more years and has proved to be productive. He’s not a stalwart at safety, but rather a one-game stop gap and good special teams asset.
Result: Keep.
RB Wayne Gallman
After dropping three other RB’s, I had a change of passion with Gallman. A strong runner who always lands forward, Gallman made the most out of his opportunity off of Freeman’s and Saquon’s injuries. He piled up 682 yards off of 147 carries. Gallman is the RB2 behind Barkley and he’s a solid option when Barkley needs a breather. He could command a decent contract in comparison to what he could have gotten last year, after proving he can lead a running game.
Result: Keep.
Restricted/Exclusive Rights Contracts:
WR Da’Mari Scott
Result: Walk.
CB Ryan Lewis
Result: Walk.
CB Madre Harper
Result: Keep.
WR Austin Mack
Result: Keep.
WR C.J. Board
Result: Walk.
WR David Sills
Result: Keep.
Photo Credit: Sarah Stier / USA Today Sports
